Request for a sticky and helpful replies

[Melissa*Olivia]

Could we please do a sticky on restoration tips?

I know that there are a couple of great albums on here of Downey dunks, wig replacements, etc., but I can't remember who posted them or where to easily find them. I would love to see a sticky with all these tips and albums for easy reference for everyone.

I have never done anything like that before but am inspired by you all to try, so I just bought 5 fixer uppers. They are adorable and sweet -- but with a Downey dunk and a little cleaning up, they are going to be gorgeous! But I need help!

[wrxgirl]

5 fixer uppers? WOW!!!! [img]smile.gif[/img] Sounds like your going to have a lot of fun experimenting and fixing them all up! [img]smile.gif[/img] I think a sticky on this would be a good idea. Maria has a good site at www.justmagicdolls.com which restoration is shown in detail! " I have to agree though, I was looking for the downy dunk and the wash posts not too long ago and had a hard time finding them!

[Melissa*Olivia]

Yes, five! They are from 4 separate auctions and average about $41 each. I FINALLY got to see in person those long, soft, brown eyelashes people are always talking about!

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 25, 2006 06:54 PM: Message edited by: Melissa*Olivia ]</font>

[judiaci]

Congratulations on your great find. It sounds fun to restore all those dolls and you got a great price. There is a sticky with everyone's website and the 3rd poster on that sticky is Joy. She has her link to her excellent restoration site on imagestation posted. Here is the link:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288869625

[Melissa*Olivia]

Thanks for posting that link -- what a great album!! I can't believe how shiny their hair comes out! I'm so excited to try it -- now I just need to go out and get a steamer (and wig shampoo and Downey).

[megaagfan1]

Yeah! I would love to have a sticky for doll restoration!!!

WOW!!! 5!!!! Be sure to post pics when you do the downey dunk! I would love to see how they come out!! {Before & after pics!!!}

[bgeurtz]

Try and do a search for the steamer, someone posted one a couple of weeks ago and I ordered it and it arrived in like 4 days, and it was cheap only $4.99 plus shipping.

http://www.asseenontvandmore.com/bsteamquicst.html

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 26, 2006 12:53 AM: Message edited by: Boop0415 ]</font>

[jessicasturm]

Also check my album for some downey dunks!

Good luck

[kitschywoman]

Joy's site is a great reference, but there is much more to doll restoration than just hair.

If you want eye transplant tips, a good site is...

http://www.prillycharmin.com/restore/1eye_replace.htm

I used those instructions successfully for an eye transplant.
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There is not a lot of mention on this board about how to remove scrapes and scuffs from vinyl. The best product I've found is called Micro Mesh. It's a flexible, fabric-backed sanding medium that is far finer than ordinary sandpaper. I sand gently with the 1800 grit, followed by the 2400 grit. This will remove the shiny scrape/rub and restore the matte finish to the affected area. I would not recommend using Micro Mesh on painted eyebrows or cheeks, as it will remove the paint. You can find Micro Mesh online or in local hobby shops that cater to modeling enthusiasts.
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For general cleaning and "goo" removal, I've found nothing that works better than a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It's nothing short of phenomenal. [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]
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For ink spot or dye mark removal, Oxy 10 acne cream (or any acne cream with 10% benzoyl peroxide) is quite effective if you're patient about it. I apply a dab to the affected area and sit my patient in a sunny window or outdoors, if the weather is nice. Every evening, I remove the cream and I reapply the next morning until the spot is gone. I recently heard that if you can keep the cream from drying out (say by covering it with Saran Wrap), it will bleach the mark out even faster. Do not get Oxy 10 on the fabric body, as it will bleach the color from the fabric.
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For restringing, I use Taffy's instructions, which can be found at...

http://www.justmagicdolls.com/articl...estringing.htm
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For rewigging, I use the following instructions, also located at Just Magic...

http://www.justmagicdolls.com/articles/rewig/rewig.htm

I prefer to use E-6000 craft glue to reattach my wigs, as my dolls are around children. I find that Aileen's Tacky Glue has a tendency to "let go" under heavy play. E-6000 glue can be found in Wal-Mart's craft section, and I've yet to find a child who could detach a wig glued using this product.
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I do lip/teeth repaints using regular 99-cent acrylic paint that can be found at any craft store. The key to getting a smooth finish with no brush strokes is to use acrylic paint extender to thin your paint to a watery consistency. Then I apply several thin coats of paint until I achieve the desired level of color.
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For cheek repaints, I use stenciling creme (also available at any craft store). I prefer the maroon color, and I put a very, very tiny amount on my fingertip and apply it to the cheeks with my finger. It will not go on evenly, but don't panic. I then dampen a washcloth with non-acetone nailpolish remover to thin and spread the cheek paint until I get the effect I desire. If I don't like it, I completely wipe the paint away with nailpolish remover and start over. Once the stenciling creme has set for a few days, the color is permanent.

I've also heard that lipstick pencil works well for cheek color, but I've never tried this method so I don't know if it has the permanency of stenciling creme.

Anyone else have any tips to add?

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 26, 2006 10:24 AM: Message edited by: kitschywoman ]</font>

[[email protected]]

Thanks, FarmhouseGirl, for the great photos!

Thanks, Anne, for all the other links! Restringing is one of my big fears still. Maybe someday.

For anyone who's interested, there are also some body-washing tips in my album, but they don't include re-stringing tips.

Joy